| The headaches you have with your unit might | | | | * If booster pump driven, disconnect the cleaner |
| have been rethought and resolved on a newer | | | | at the wall, and ensure that good water pressure |
| model. For a selection of the state of the art pool | | | | is coming out of the wall. |
| cleaners on the market check out our pool | | | | * For suction cleaners, again, make sure that the |
| cleaner comparison page. | | | | pump and filter are cleaned. |
| Every pool is designed differently and your | | | | 4. Gets stuck in one spot |
| options as to the style of pool cleaner may be | | | | * Most pressure cleaners have a backup valve to |
| limited. There are pools that are plumbed with a | | | | prevent this, make sure that this is operating, |
| designated pool cleaner return line. This gives you | | | | every 3 minutes. |
| the option of running a pressure cleaner and to | | | | * If your hose is too short for the pool, this can |
| utilize a booster pump as an option. Other pools | | | | prevent the cleaner from turning. |
| only have return lines that are ran off the same | | | | * Pressure cleaner wheels that are loose can |
| line so you would be a candidate for a suction | | | | cause spinning. |
| cleaner that runs off the pool filter pump suction. | | | | * Suction cleaners can get stuck on high spots in |
| Certain products are designed for above ground | | | | pool plaster or on a drain cover. For the latter, a |
| units while others are designed for concrete, vinyl, | | | | pool cleaner drain cover can be used. |
| or fiberglass finished in-ground pools. Pool builders | | | | * Ladders are notorious cleaner traps. Most |
| often include a cleaner as part of the building | | | | manufacturers have "ladder guards" that you can |
| agreement to get you started down the right | | | | use to prevent this. |
| path. | | | | 5. Does not reach all areas of the pool |
| So you own a cleaner and you are having | | | | * Pressure cleaners can track different patterns |
| problems. Some of the most frequent issues can | | | | by making adjustments to the Thrust Jet on the |
| easily be attended to by the homeowner. My | | | | rear |
| cleaner gets stuck in the corner, the cleaner is | | | | * Ray-Vac cleaners have jets shooting out of the |
| tangled, and the cleaner will not move, are all very | | | | hose swivels. Adjusting this will change the |
| common issues regardless of what cleaner you | | | | cleaning pattern |
| own. | | | | * If your cleaner gets stuck in the deep end, you |
| 1. Hose gets Tangled | | | | could have a pressure problem. See item 2-3 |
| * This could be a result of hanging the hose on a | | | | above. |
| hook all winter, or wound up too tightly, which | | | | * Suction cleaners may have an internal issue with |
| creates a memory. Spread the hose out in the | | | | their gear box which prevents full travel around |
| sun. | | | | the pool |
| * Swivels not swiveling - check that all hose | | | | * Water flow from your pool returns can prevent |
| swivels are functioning properly. | | | | pool cleaners travel into certain areas of the pool. |
| * Too much hose for the pool size. The cleaner | | | | * Most pool cleaners will not climb steps or reach |
| should be able to reach the farthest point of the | | | | loveseats. |
| pool, plus 3 feet. | | | | All cleaners require some type of maintenance. |
| * Hose floats are waterlogged, causing the hose | | | | There are some commonly replaced pool cleaner |
| to sink below the surface. Replace hose floats. | | | | parts you should have on hand, or order when |
| 2. Moves very slowly | | | | you need them. |
| * Pressure or Suction cleaners need to have a | | | | For those homeowners who have tried cleaners |
| clean pump basket and clean filter to operate at | | | | that operate on the pool filtration system but still |
| top speed. | | | | havn't found the right one for your pool you |
| * Pressure cleaners have debris screens, usually | | | | might want to consider a robotic one. Robotic |
| at the wall attachment. Check these regularly, and | | | | cleaners operate completely independent from the |
| clean. | | | | pool plumbing. A roaming filter that operates on a |
| * Wheel bearings, Tires, Tracks all need to fit | | | | low voltage and can simply be plugged in and |
| tightly and properly to prevent slippage. | | | | dropped into the pool. They have come down in |
| * Pressure cleaners need full pressure, obviously, | | | | price in recent years, and are now available for |
| check the feed hose for any leakage of water | | | | above ground pools at a lower price, ranging from |
| pressure. | | | | $300 - $1500. |
| 3. Cleaner does not move at all | | | | If you currently own a malfunctioning unit or are |
| * Small sticks and stones can become lodged | | | | just considering adding an addition to the pool to |
| inside the throat of a pressure or suction cleaner. | | | | help with the cleaning duties the right solution is |
| * If belt driven, like the Polaris 380, check that | | | | out there. Know your product limitations and take |
| the drive belts have not snapped or become | | | | some time to research and explore all the current |
| overly worn. | | | | features available to get you on the right track. |